Most airlines have baggage size and weight limits and assess charges for transport of baggage that exceeds this allowance. The Peace Corps has its own size and weight limitations, and will not pay the cost of transport for baggage that exceeds these limitations. The authorized baggage allowance is two checked pieces of luggage with combined dimensions of both pieces not to exceed 107 inches (length + width + height) and a carry-on bag with dimensions of no more than 45 inches. Checked baggage should not exceed 80 pounds total with a maximum weight allowance of 50 pounds for any one bag.

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Peace Corps Volunteers are not allowed to take pets, weapons, explosives, radio transmitters (short-wave radios are permitted), automobiles, or motorcycles to their overseas assignments. Do not pack flammable materials or liquids such as lighter fluid, cleaning solvents, hair spray, or aerosol containers. This is an important safety precaution.

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===What is the electric current in Togo? ===

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|assignment01=Secondary Teacher/Training

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|yearserviceended=1994

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Togo is on a 220-volt system as is found throughout much of Europe.

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===How much money should I bring? ===

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Volunteers are expected to live at the same level as the people in their community. They are given a settling-in allowance and a monthly living allowance, which should cover their expenses. Often Volunteers wish to bring additional money for vacation travel to other countries. This can be stored safely in the Peace Corps office. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are difficult to use in Togo. ATM machines are available only in Lomé. If you choose to bring extra money, plan on bringing the amount that suits your own personal travel plans and needs. American bills can be exchanged in banks or on the street, although you should be cautious of street vendors who may attempt to take advantage of you.There are ATM machinesin Kara and Sokade now. Possibly Dapaong

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===When can I take vacation and have people visit me? ===

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SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1994, THOMAS BARAKATT, Peace Corps Volunteer in Western Samoa, died in a swimming accident while visiting other Volunteers on the island of Savai'i. Tragically, the accident occurred the evening of Mother's Day. Thomas had spent the earlier part of the day visiting his home-stay Samoan family, where he had given a gift to his Samoan mother. Later in the day, Thomas had prepared a dinner of pumpkin soup for other Volunteers who had gathered together on this weekend.<br><br>

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Each Volunteer accrues two vacation days per month of service (excluding training). Leave may not be taken during training, the first three months of service, or the last three months of service, except in conjunction with an authorized emergency leave. Family and friends are welcome to visit you after pre-service training and the first 3 months of service as long as their stay does not interfere with your work. Extended stays at your site are not encouraged and may require permission from your country director. The Peace Corps is not able to provide your visitors with visa or travel assistance.

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Thomas, a native of San Jose, California, began his Peace Corps service in January of 1993. He was a teacher at Avele College, an all boys high school outside of the capital city of Aoia. where he taught accounting and economics. The commitment Thomas gave went far beyond his school. At a memorial service at Avele College for Thomas, his pre-service training host father from the village of Samatau stated, "During the new Peace Corps cross-cultural training I chose Thomas as my 'son', thus making my aiga as his Samoan family. I chose him because he was humble. Last weekend, he gave my wife and my sister Mother's Day presents before he went to Savai'i. Every time he came 'home', he wanted to greet everyone in the family, and when he left, he said good-bye to each one of the family. It was his usual way of coming and leaving home."<br><br>

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His first year in Samoa, Thomas bicycled the coastal road all the way around the big island of Savai'i with his friend and fellow Volunteer Fritz Kuhlman. Together they snorkled and dove the reefs and volcanic pools of the islands.<br><br>

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===Will my belongings be covered by insurance? ===

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These are the types of adventures that Peace Corps Volunteers throughout the world seek out in an attempt to enjoy life to the fullest.

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Thomas lost his life in his last adventure. There are those who think adventures of this sort are foolish. Those like Thomas could simply never

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The Peace Corps does not provide insurance coverage for personal effects. However, such insurance can be purchased before you leave. Ultimately, Volunteers are responsible for the safekeeping of their personal belongings. If you wish, you may contact your own insurance company; additionally, insurance application forms have been enclosed, and we encourage you to consider them carefully. Additional information about insurance should be obtained by calling the company directly.

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live any other way. <br>

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Volunteers should not ship or take valuable items overseas. Jewelry, watches, radios, cameras, and expensive appliances are subject to loss, theft, and breakage, and in many places, satisfactory maintenance and repair services are not available.

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The above was written by Larrie Warren and published in the Peace Corps Times, Fall 1994<br>

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Larrie Warren is/was the Country Director in Western Samoa.<br>

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===Do I need an international driver’s license? ===

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Volunteers in Togo do not need to get an international driver’s license. Operation of privately owned vehicles is prohibited. Most urban travel is by bus or taxi. Rural travel ranges from buses to mini-buses to trucks to a lot of walking.

We miss you, Tom and look forward to the day we will see you again in Glory.

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===What should I bring as gifts for Togolese friends and my host family? ===

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This is not a requirement. A token of friendship is sufficient. Some gift suggestions include: knickknacks for the house; pictures, books, or calendars of American scenes; souvenirs from your area; hard candies that will not melt or spoil; or photos to give away. Local gifts are also appropriate.

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===Where will my site assignment be when I finish training and how isolated will I be? ===

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Peace Corps trainees are not assigned to individual sites until about one third of the way through pre-service training. This gives the Peace Corps staff the opportunity to assess each trainee’s technical and language skills prior to assigning sites. You will have the opportunity to provide input on your site preferences, including geographical location, distance from other Volunteers, or living conditions. However, keep in mind that many factors influence the site selection process and that the Peace Corps cannot guarantee placement where you might ideally like to be. Most Volunteers will live in small towns or in rural villages, but will usually be within 1 hour from the nearest Volunteer. Some sites will require a 10 to 12 hour drive from the capital. There will usually be at least one Volunteer based in each of the regional capitals, and occasionally a Volunteer or two in the capital city.

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===How can my family contact me in an emergency? ===

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The Peace Corps’ Office of Special Services provides assistance in handling emergencies affecting trainees and Volunteers or their families. Before leaving the United States, you should instruct your family to notify the Office of Special Services immediately if an emergency arises, such as a serious illness or death of a family member. During normal business hours, the number for the Office of Special Services is 1.800.424.8580, extension 1470. After normal business hours and on weekends and holidays, the Special Services duty officer can be reached at 202.638.2574. For nonemergency questions, your family can get information from your country desk staff at the Peace Corps by calling 1.800.424.8580, extension 2326 or 2327.

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===Will there be e-mail and Internet access? Should I bring my computer? ===

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Email and internet services are available in all the regional capitals as well as some of the larger towns. Though you may be assigned a village without electricity, most of your reporting will require a computer. You will also generally have access to charging stations when you visit prefectural capitals so you can charge your computer then.

SUNDAY, MAY 8, 1994, THOMAS BARAKATT, Peace Corps Volunteer in Western Samoa, died in a swimming accident while visiting other Volunteers on the island of Savai'i. Tragically, the accident occurred the evening of Mother's Day. Thomas had spent the earlier part of the day visiting his home-stay Samoan family, where he had given a gift to his Samoan mother. Later in the day, Thomas had prepared a dinner of pumpkin soup for other Volunteers who had gathered together on this weekend.

Thomas, a native of San Jose, California, began his Peace Corps service in January of 1993. He was a teacher at Avele College, an all boys high school outside of the capital city of Aoia. where he taught accounting and economics. The commitment Thomas gave went far beyond his school. At a memorial service at Avele College for Thomas, his pre-service training host father from the village of Samatau stated, "During the new Peace Corps cross-cultural training I chose Thomas as my 'son', thus making my aiga as his Samoan family. I chose him because he was humble. Last weekend, he gave my wife and my sister Mother's Day presents before he went to Savai'i. Every time he came 'home', he wanted to greet everyone in the family, and when he left, he said good-bye to each one of the family. It was his usual way of coming and leaving home."

His first year in Samoa, Thomas bicycled the coastal road all the way around the big island of Savai'i with his friend and fellow Volunteer Fritz Kuhlman. Together they snorkled and dove the reefs and volcanic pools of the islands.

These are the types of adventures that Peace Corps Volunteers throughout the world seek out in an attempt to enjoy life to the fullest.
Thomas lost his life in his last adventure. There are those who think adventures of this sort are foolish. Those like Thomas could simply never
live any other way.

The above was written by Larrie Warren and published in the Peace Corps Times, Fall 1994
Larrie Warren is/was the Country Director in Western Samoa.

Wiki last updated 04-Sept-2010 by Thomas' younger brother, Michael Barakatt--
We miss you, Tom and look forward to the day we will see you again in Glory.